This is why rabbits with ‘horns’ are being called ‘Frankenstein bunnies’ in Colorado
Something odd has captured attention in Fort Collins, Colorado: rabbits sporting hornlike growths that look spooky, yet they carry no threat. These bizarre “Frankenstein bunnies” aren’t a horror story. Scientists point to a simple, familiar culprit.
What’s Really Happening
Cottontail rabbits near Denver have developed wartlike protrusions caused by Shope papillomavirus. These growths may look like horns, but they rarely harm the animals. They spread by fleas and ticks, most active in summer, and infect only rabbits. People and pets remain safe.
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Colorado Parks & Wildlife says this virus shows up regularly in warm months. The growths can vanish once a rabbit’s immune system fights the infection, unless the warts interfere with the eyes or eating.
Roots of Folklore and Science
Long ago, sightings of horned rabbits may have sparked the jackalope myth, a horned rabbit legend still fondly shared today. In science, this rabbit virus proved crucial. Discovered by Dr. Richard E. Shope in the 1930s, the virus taught researchers how viruses relate to certain cancers, paving the way for our understanding of human papillomavirus and cervical cancer.
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What People Are Saying
Viral photos of these odd-looking bunnies stirred nicknames like “Frankenstein bunnies,” “demon rabbits,” and “zombie rabbits.” Some panic followed, despite wildlife experts clarifying there’s little cause for alarm. These rabbits don’t pose a danger to humans or pets.
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Simple Guidance for Readers
If you spot an unusual rabbit, observe from a distance. Don’t try to touch or handle it. Let nature take its course—most affected rabbits recover naturally. Remember that this virus stays within rabbit populations and poses no public health risk.
Dogsandcatsy Opinion
We find this story strangely comforting. It reminds us how odd shapes in nature spark myths and fear, but knowing the science brings calm. These rabbits, while eerie at first glance, show how resilient wildlife can be. They teach us to observe, not panic.
